Accreditation for Cone Beam Orthopaedic Imaging: Answers to 7 Questions
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Providers must be accredited by a CMS-approved organization.
The process for securing accreditation for Cone Beam CT orthopaedic imaging can be a bit confusing. However, it’s a necessary process. Any facility performing CT scans must obtain accreditation prior to receiving reimbursements from Medicare and many private payers.
The process for securing accreditation is worth it. Adding the capability for in-house cone beam CT exams can have major benefits for orthopaedic practices. It can help speed your workflow, boost your productivity, and support a higher standard of care. It can even help differentiate your practice from the competition.
Read on to learn the simple answers to 7 common accreditation questions.
What is CBCT accreditation?
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) requires all providers who bill the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to be accredited by a CMS-approved organization to receive reimbursement for their services. Many private payers also require accreditation for reimbursement. Accreditation is the best way for facilities to demonstrate they meet national quality standards for patient and practitioner safety and image quality.
Why is accreditation important to my practice?
This certification assures patients that you’re dedicated to best practices and safe, high-quality medical testing. It helps patients feel confident that your practice has been thoroughly evaluated and approved on all metrics for CBCT imaging.
In addition, certification is directly linked to your image revenue since CMS and many private insurance companies have made reimbursement contingent on accreditation.
Is it true that seeking accreditation can be time-consuming?
Yes. Accreditation involves some complexities and challenges. However, the benefits to your practice, in terms of patient safety, productivity, and revenue potential, make it worth the effort.
What is required for accreditation?
Accreditation entails a review of physics testing, personnel documentation, policy and procedures – as well as sample clinical images. The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) is an organization that is CMS-approved to grant CBCT accreditation. You can download the IAC CT Standards documentation from the IAC’s website, by clicking on the “standards” tab.
How can CARESTREAM support me in the accreditation process?
We have partnered with LANDAUER Medical Physics (LMP), a respected global company, to offer purchasable services designed to walk you step-by-step through the accreditation process. LMP also can fulfill your required physics testing and assist you in completing the necessary documents for accreditation.
Why LANDAUER?
LANDAUER is the world leader in radiation science in healthcare applications. Their staff includes renowned experts in imaging physics with unparalleled expertise in radiation safety and market-leading dosimetry technology. LMP focuses on the image-quality optimization,
addressing shielding requirements, and supporting facilities like yours in achieving accreditation.
How long will accreditation take?
It will typically take 30 days after installation and physics testing to collect the required documentation and case studies and submit the selected accrediting organization’s application. LANDAUER will work with you, step by step, to gather the required data. It will typically
take 8-12 weeks for accreditation once an application is filed.
Want to learn more about the potential financial impact of the OnSight 3D Extremity System? Read the results and economic models from four leading orthopaedic practices that evaluated its impact on orthopedic practice revenue.
And listen to Resurgens Orthopaedics relate their experience with the CARESTREAM OnSight 3D Extremity System. The imaging center gives the product high marks for image quality – including metal suppression – ease of use, and easy installation.
Donald Thompson is Carestream’s Director of Marketing for the OnSight 3d Extremity System in the US and Canada
